Sign up

Follow us

England not good enough to win World Cup – Geoff Hurst

World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst feels England are not good enough to win this summer’s tournament in South Africa.

Fabio Capello’s side qualified with ease and are fancied by some to emulate Hurst’s England team of 44 years ago.

But Hurst, who scored a hat-trick in the 1966 final, told BBC Radio 5 live England will only reach the semis.

“We’re a tiny bit short up front,” said Hurst. “If we had a Fernando Torres up front with Wayne Rooney, then you’re looking at a different proposition.”

Aston Villa frontman Emile Heskey would appear to be Capello’s first-choice striker to play alongside Rooney in attack, with the likes of Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch, Carlton Cole and Darren Bent also vying for a place in the squad.

But Hurst does not feel those options match up to the best in the world, though he believes Tottenham’s Crouch is emerging as the front-runner to lead the England line.

He’s emerging as the best partner (for Rooney) because I think he can do what Emile Heskey does but, very importantly, he scores a lot more goals

Hurst on Peter Crouch

Crouch came off the bench to score twice in the 3-1 midweek friendly win over Egypt and Hurst said: “He’s emerging as the best partner (for Rooney) because I think he can do what Emile Heskey does but, very importantly, he scores a lot more goals.

“One of the prime things you need as a front player is that you score one in two over your career and Peter’s England record is getting close to mine now.

“He’s a good player, a nice lad, and he’s the sort of player you want in the squad if you’re going to be successful over the month.”

However, Hurst fears that Capello’s squad does not have the strength in-depth to win the World Cup.

“We are little bit thin on the ground if we get injuries to major players – if we lose a Rooney or a Steven Gerrard,” he added on 5 live’s Sportsweek.

After watching a new-look defence, depleted by injuries and Wayne Bridge’s decision to quit the team, produce a not wholly convincing performance in the 3-1 friendly win over Egypt on Wednesday, Hurst suggested there were question marks over England’s cover.

“If that back four went in against one of the leading lights at the World Cup then I think we could be in trouble,” said Hurst.